Elicera Therapeutics develops new cancer treatment with help of advanced cell lab in Flemingsberg

Uppsala-based Elicera Therapeutics is using the Pre-GMP core facility at Vecura in Flemingsberg as a first step in a study aimed at creating a new treatment for lymph node cancer.

The pre-GMP lab at Campus Flemingsberg makes it possible to use a new method to automate the process of genetically modifying cells for research studies.
“The facility allows us to benefit from a completely closed and automated system that reduces the workload for staff and further ensures quality,” says Magnus Essand, Research Director at Elicera.
In the Pre-GMP lab, the process can be developed and fine-tuned while staff at Vecura receive training in the new methods.

Activating the immune system
The establishment of Elicera Therapeutics was based on research conducted at Uppsala University with the aim of using modified cells – CAR-T cells – to develop new cancer treatments. Cells taken from patients develop the ability to activate the body’s own immune system in the fight against cancer.

The goal of the current study is to identify a treatment for patients with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of lymph node cancer.
“There are currently two approved treatments for the disease, but they don’t work for all patients. We hope that our treatment can also be used by these patients and prevent recurrence,” says Essand, adding: “We hope to develop a curative treatment for these patients.”

Elicera Therapeutics recently received a grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to help them grow further. In the future, there are plans to use the company’s findings to develop treatments for patients with brain cancer.

Read more on the Elicera Therapeutics homepage at: elicera.com.

Capital of Life at Nordic Life Science Days: Spotlight on Stockholm–Uppsala

Earlier this year, Region Stockholm and Region Uppsala adopted a joint life science strategy. The strategy brings together stakeholders from academia, business, healthcare and the public sector, united by a shared ambition: to develop Stockholm–Uppsala into one of the world’s leading life science clusters. Within the strategy is the Capital of Life initiative, that brings together all stakeholders and supporting organizations to contribute to its implementation through long-term, strategic collaboration. At this year’s Nordic Life Science Days, the initiative came together...

Novum Kitchen – a new restaurant in the heart of Novum Research Park

With classic flavors and the ambition of becoming the neighborhood’s living room, newly opened Novum Kitchen aims to create a restaurant for both everyday meals and special occasions. We sat down for a chat with owner Lahdo Sharro.

How Do You Build a Place Where More Organizations Want to Establish Themselves?

What is it that actually makes a company, research environment or organization choose to establish itself in a particular place? It is rarely just about premises or geography. Just as important are access to talent, networks, collaboration and a shared direction for the future. In Flemingsberg, a number of stakeholders are working together through Etableringskontor Flemingsberg to strengthen the area’s attractiveness and create the best possible conditions for future establishments. Pernilla Boström tells us more about the work, the goals and what we took away from a study visit to Lund and Malmö.